As his last official act May 14 before retiring as president of the University of Mobile (UMobile), Mark Foley will hand out diplomas, shake the hands of 285 graduates and tell each one, “Now go change the world.”
It’s a challenge Foley first issued in 1998 when he was named the third president of Alabama’s youngest Baptist college during a critical point in the school’s history. For more than 18 years, Foley preached the importance of influence and using that influence in the name of Jesus Christ to change the world.
As the last days of his presidency wind down, the accolades continue to pour in. The UMobile board of trustees named him “president emeritus” and announced the former College Park Baptist Church building adjacent to campus will be named in his honor. The official naming of the building will take place once the capital campaign is completed and the building is acquired for campus expansion.
‘Appreciation Day’
The City of Mobile proclaimed April 29 as “Dr. Mark and Marilyn Foley Appreciation Day.” At a lawn party on campus the same day, students, faculty, staff and friends gave the Foleys a painting by associate professor of art Phil Counselman that depicted campus landmarks Lyon Chapel and “I Am the Vine,” an iron sculpture of a cross co-created by Foley. In November 2015 messengers to the Alabama Baptist State Convention annual meeting passed a resolution in his honor.
At the 11th annual UMobile Leadership Banquet on April 28, after introducing incoming president Tim Smith to an audience of university supporters, Foley related a favorite story about a World War II private who took a stand in his foxhole, declaring that the enemy would not get past him.
“That foxhole is passion. That foxhole is commitment … that foxhole was an idea, one perpetuated by a university that Marilyn and I have had the privilege of serving for over 18 years,” Foley said. “A university where we teach young men and women, future professionals, to be as good as you can be — better than most — and when you work, you earn respect. And when you have that respect, you have the opportunity to influence. And it is the influence, ladies and gentlemen, that I have been after for all these years and I still pursue. I want to influence, through these men and women, ultimately a nation.”
Foley’s administration extended beyond 18 years — far longer than the average college president’s tenure of seven to eight years. He announced in October 2015 that he was ready for the Lord to show him his next assignment.
Under his leadership, the university integrated a Christian worldview into all aspects of academics, campus life and university operations; doubled the capacity of on-campus housing by adding 354 beds and building three residence halls; invested $44.8 million in capital projects; began offering online academic programs; emphasized Christian service through programs such as Project Serve university-wide day of service; created the Center for Performing Arts; and earned national rankings.
Christian worldview
Fred Wilson, chairman of the UMobile board of trustees, said, “One of the most encouraging and inspirational things about being on the board is Dr. Foley’s very, very consistent Christian worldview as a basis for making every decision I’ve ever been involved with.
“When he came, he brought stability and confidence. He’s leaving the university on a solid platform that the next administration can really grow on,” Wilson added.
Kayla Litton, past president of the Student Government Association and a graduating senior, said Foley “is a great leader because of the stability that he brought to UMobile during a time when it greatly needed a leader with strength and grace. He has been an excellent example of a servant leader.
“Dr. Foley gave his all to the students, faculty and school for the duration of his time here and has followed through with his plan to change lives to change the world,” she said.
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